“Thank you. And thank you for rescuing me from Brent. I’m so tired of running from him.”
“How about if you focus on exploring our relationship instead? Could you see me as your daddy?”
“Yes, please.”
CHAPTER 4
“Caden!” she squealed and threw her arms around his neck when the handsome man who held her stood and whirled in a circle celebrating her answer. She couldn’t help but giggle at his enthusiasm.
I guess he liked my answer.
On the other hand, Fluffikins was highly annoyed and glared at her from the rocker where she’d left him. Her bunny was a wild man who loved zooming around her apartment. Her stuffie would scold her if he didn’t get to have fun too.
When Caden slowed down, Brooklyn’s head spun delightfully. “Do it again! Fluffikins missed out on the fun!”
“We can’t have that.” Caden leaned over to pick up the stuffed bunny and tuck it into her hands. “Let’s go the opposite way. Ready?”
“Yessss!” she cheered as Caden twirled them one more time.
This time when he stopped, Fluffikins looked happy. Her tension and worry evaporated when he held her. She couldn’t believe how this dynamic man had made a scary day suddenly the best she’d had in a very long time. Hope for a much rosier future kindled inside her.
“Thank you, Caden.”
“You’re welcome, Brooklyn. Now, I need to feed us. Do you want to play here or come chat with me as I round up something for us to eat?”
“I’ll stay with you. Fluffikins wants to take a nap.”
“I don’t blame him.” Caden set her feet on the carpet and released her when she had regained her balance.
Drawn by the special bed with a railing around it, Brooklyn walked across the room to tuck her stuffie under the covers with his pink nose sticking out so he could breathe. Brooklyn didn’t feel rushed or embarrassed to have him see her taking care of her bunny. He understood. She’d never met anyone like him.
Turning around, she walked back to him. Caden stood patiently, his body as relaxed as those muscles would allow. When she got close, he reached out a hand to her with a smile. When she took it, he squeezed her fingers playfully.
“Come on, little girl. Tell me what you like to eat.”
“I can eat anything. Well, anything but slimy avocados. They’re gross.”
“I see.” He paused for a minute as if he were thinking. “You’re in luck. I’m fresh out of avocados. I could make grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup?”
“No soup for me, but I’d love a sandwich,” she answered and clapped a hand over her stomach when it growled loudly.
“Sounds like your tummy is starving. I’ll get toasting. Sit here and talk to me.” Caden pulled out a high stool at the island for her.
“I could help,” she suggested, shifting awkwardly from one foot to another.
“You can set the table for us in a few minutes. Keep me company while I put together the sandwiches.”
Brooklyn gave in and levered herself up on the seat he held. Caden pressed a kiss to the top of her head before circlingaround the island. That small gesture of affection warmed her heart. On her own for so long, she craved human contact.
No, not just anyone’s touch.She treasured every tender gesture Caden lavished on her. How had she found a man who checked off all her wants and needs? Was he real or pretending like Brent had?
“Breathe, Brookie. You’re safe here,” Caden said quietly.
Brooklyn looked up to see him focused on her with a concerned expression. “Sorry. I must have spaced out.”
“If you’re worried about something, talk to me.”
“I’m okay,” she told him quickly.
